• Dan McCarney perseveres with a mix of hard work and undying optimism.

• Finally healthy, ISU tailback Stevie Hicks hopes for a breakout performance.

• It's a final on Husker Preplay: NU 40, ISU 14. • Notes from Thursday's practice.

• So, exactly what is the dirty workout? • AP says NU 31, ISU 14.

• Success comes suddenly to kickoff man Sam Koch. • Phil Bland's foot injury will sideline him indefinitely.

• DeAntae Grixby discusses the injury that has ended his NU playing career.

• Iowa State QB Austin Flynn enters the game with a renewed dose of confidence.

• NU's linemen and linebackers have a hand in the improved pass defense. More on Pelini's Blackshirts: 1, 2

• Notes from Wednesday's practice: 1, 2, 3, 4 • From the Lincoln paper, a breakdown of the Cyclones.

• Iowa State's Bob Montgomery will return to Lincoln with a heavy heart.

• Nick Leaders hopes for improvement from the struggling ISU defense as the 'Clones try to salvage a season.

• Deep down, Le Kevin Smith is an artist. • Titus Adams discusses the spike.

• Notes from Tuesday's practice (1, 2) and press conference (1, 2, 3, 4).

• Players and coaches discuss the reasons for NU's ball-hawking success.

• Notes from Monday's practice. • Harmon Forecast says Nebraska 28, Iowa State 7.

• A Texas scribe says it's too soon to pencil in NU as the Big 12 North favorite.

• Film study helps give Josh Bullocks a knack for INTs.

• Barrett Ruud earns Big 12 player-of-the-week honors.

• ISU, which is 4-11 since its 2002 win over NU, hopes to build from a strong second half in its loss to Texas.

• An early-December trip to Arrowhead may be what it takes for fans to warm up to Jammal Lord.

• The offense cuts down on its mistakes. • Graduate assistant Dan McLaughlin learns the college game.

• See how the 'Clones and Huskers match up statistically.